Security apparatus

ABSTRACT

A security apparatus is disclosed. The security apparatus is used with a lock interface member attached to a housing of a portable electronic device. The security apparatus may include an engagement element as well as a stabilizing element. The engagement element and the stabilizing element may secure the security apparatus to the lock interface member, and therefore to the housing of the portable electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of thefiling dates of the following U.S. provisional patent applications:60/853,888, filed on Oct. 23, 2006; 60/909,867, filed on Apr. 3, 2007,and 60/940,318, filed on May 25, 2007, which are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices for inhibitingthe theft of relatively small but expensive pieces of equipment.

Computers have evolved rather rapidly from large, expensive machinesusable only by a few, to relatively small, portable machines which areusable by many. In particular, the development of personal computerswith significant processing power has made computers available to thegeneral population. It is now common for college and even high schoolstudents to have their own computer, and personal computers are in widespread use as word processors and work stations in almost all forms ofbusiness. Personal computers are relatively small and easilytransportable, and an undesirable side effect of their proliferation isthe fact that the theft of such computers is a significant problem.

A variety of devices have been developed to inhibit the theft ofpersonal computers and similar equipment. Since personal computersystems involve several components, typically including the computeritself, a separate monitor, keyboard and often a printer, such securitysystems often employ a cable which attaches each of the components toeach other and to a relatively immovable object such as a desk. Theprincipal difficulty in such systems is providing an effective andconvenient method for attaching the cable itself to the equipment.

One way to address the problem of computer security is to provide asmall, generally rectangular slot in a wall of a computer. A securityapparatus with a locking head may be secured to the computer via therectangular slot.

While the conventional rectangular slot solution is effective,improvements could be made. For example, although thieves are deterredfrom stealing portable computers secured by conventional securitymechanisms, in some cases, such thieves may be more interested in thedata stored in the computers rather than the computers themselves.Accordingly, the damage that may occur to a computer that may occurduring the theft of the computer may not deter a thief who wants thedata stored inside of the computer. It would be desirable to improve thestrength of the physical coupling between the security apparatus and thecomputer and so that it is more difficult for potential thieves toseparate the security apparatus from the computer.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems,individually and collectively.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to security apparatuses,systems, and methods for using such security apparatuses. Otherembodiments of the invention may be directed to lock interface membersand systems and methods incorporating such lock interface members.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a security apparatus foruse with a lock interface member having at least a first aperture and astabilizing aperture. The security apparatus comprises a head comprisingan engagement element adapted to engage the lock interface member viathe first aperture and a stabilizing element capable of being insertedinto the stabilizing aperture to prevent the engagement element frombeing removed from the first aperture. A security device such as a cablemay be coupled to the head.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a system comprising aportable electronic device comprising a lock interface member having atleast a first aperture and a stabilizing aperture, and a securityapparatus. The security apparatus includes a head comprising anengagement element adapted to engage the lock interface member via thefirst aperture and a stabilizing element capable of being inserted intothe stabilizing aperture to prevent the engagement element from beingremoved from the first aperture.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for securingthe above-described security apparatus to the lock interface member. Themethod includes (a) inserting the engagement element into the firstaperture, (b) rotating the engagement element so that the engagementelement is secured to the lock interface member via the first aperture;and, (c) inserting the stabilizing element into the stabilizingaperture.

Yet other embodiments of the invention are directed to lock interfacemembers, as well as apparatuses, systems and methods using such lockinterface members.

These and other embodiments of the invention are described in furtherdetail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portable electronic device and asecurity apparatus.

FIG. 2( a) shows a front perspective view of a portion of a securityapparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2( b) shows a rear perspective view of the security apparatus shownin FIG. 2( a) and a portable electronic device comprising a lockinterface member.

FIG. 2( c) is a front perspective view of the security apparatus shownin FIG. 2( a) attached to a lock interface member in a portableelectronic device. Engagement elements of the security apparatus are inthe lock interface member, but a stabilizing element associated with thesecurity apparatus is not present in the lock interface member. Aportion of the portable electronic device is cut away.

FIG. 2( d) is a view that is similar to the view shown in FIG. 2( c).However, in FIG. 2( d), the stabilizing element is present in the lockinterface member.

FIG. 2( e) shows an exploded view of the security apparatus shown inFIGS. 2( a)-2(b).

FIG. 2( f) is a side, cross-sectional view of the head of a securityapparatus as it is secured to the lock interface member in the portableelectronic device.

FIG. 2( g) shows a front view of a lock interface member.

FIG. 2( h) shows a side, cross-sectional view of the lock interfacemember shown in FIG. 2( g).

FIG. 2( i) shows a perspective view of the lock interface member shownin FIG. 2( g).

In the Figures, like numerals designate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to security apparatuses,methods for using security apparatuses, and systems using such securityapparatuses. The security apparatuses can be used to prevent or deterthe theft of devices such as portable electronic devices.

In addition, in embodiments of the invention, a lock interface membermay be used to enhance security and to improve the strength of thecoupling between a portable electronic device and a security apparatus.The lock interface member may be an attachment that may be attached tothe housing of the portable electronic device, or it may be integrallyformed in the housing or other component of the portable electronicdevice. For example, in some embodiments, the lock interface member maybe integrally formed with (e.g., a wall portion of a wall or chassisportion of a chassis, and the lock interface member may be formed fromthe same material without an interface), or operatively or physicallycoupled to the chassis of the portable electronic device and/or may beoperatively or electrically coupled to some electrical component (e.g.,a memory chip, disk drive, or microprocessor) in the portable electronicdevice. In addition, if the lock interface member is a separatecomponent from the wall of the portable electronic device, the lockinterface member may be positioned within an aperture formed in a wallof the portable electronic device, or inside of the portable electronicdevice. Exemplary lock interface members are described in further detailbelow.

By using a lock interface member, the strength of the coupling betweenthe security apparatus and the lock interface member is increased over aconventional physical security system including a portable electronicdevice comprising only a 3×7 mm² security slot and a physical securityapparatus secured to the portable electronic device via the securityslot. A conventional security system such as this can withstand 150 lbsof force, because the plastic housing of the portable consumer devicecan fail or break when this magnitude of force is applied. Also, currentlocks on the market are designed to withstand 300 lbs of force beforethey are broken. Further, the ability to “torque” the conventionalsecurity apparatus out of a security slot is also of concern. Improvedsecurity apparatuses and systems are therefore desirable.

Using embodiments of the invention, the strength of the coupling betweenthe security apparatus and the portable electronic device may beincreased by at least 2, 6, or even 8 times compared to conventionalsystems. For example, by using embodiments of the invention, it may takemore than about 300 lbs of force, or even more than about 500, 1000, or2000 lbs of force to break the physical coupling between the head in asecurity apparatus and the lock interface member associated with theportable electronic device to which it is secured. Accordingly,embodiments of the invention are stronger and therefore more effectiveat deterring and preventing the theft of portable electronic devicesthan conventional security systems.

A security apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention maycomprise a head and a security device. The head and the security devicemay be physically and/or operationally coupled together.

The security device may comprise a cable, or some other type of deviceto provide security. If the security device comprises a cable, then thecable may be secured to an immovable object such as a desk or cabinet sothat a portable electronic device coupled to the cable cannot beremoved. The cable may comprise stainless steel, Kevlar®, or some othertype of strong material.

In another embodiment, the security device may comprise a wirelessdevice such as a wireless transmitter and/or receiver. The wirelessdevice may be used in a proximity detection system or a motion detectionsystem. For example, a motion detector could present in the wirelessdevice so that when the motion detector moves, an associated alarm istriggered. The alarm may be in the security device or may be external tothe security device. In another embodiment, there may be a base deviceassociated with the wireless device, and these components may be used ina proximity detection system. Wireless signals may be transmittedbetween the security device and the base device, and when these devicesare separated by a predetermined distance, an associated alarm (e.g., anaudible alarm) may be triggered. The alarm could be in the base deviceor in the security device. The electronics associated with such wirelesssystems are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The head in the security apparatus may be a locking head. A locking headaccording to an embodiment of the invention may comprise a lockingmechanism such as a key locking mechanism or a combination lockingmechanism disposed within a locking head housing. Various types oflocking heads are described in further detail below.

The portable electronic device that is to be secured may comprise anysuitable device. Examples of such devices comprise portable computerssuch laptop, desktop, and server computers, flat panel televisions,projectors, monitors, portable music players, printers, externalhard-drives, cell phones, etc.

The parts of the locking head and/or the lock interface member may bemade of any suitable material, and may be formed in any suitable manner.Suitable materials include materials such as stainless steel, nickelalloys, etc. They can be formed by machining, molding, etc.

A number of security apparatuses, and methods and systems using suchsecurity apparatuses are described in detail below. A system accordingto one embodiment of the invention comprises a security apparatus and alock interface member having at least a first aperture and a stabilizingaperture. The security apparatus comprises a head comprising anengagement element adapted to engage the lock interface member via thefirst aperture and a stabilizing element capable of being inserted intothe stabilizing aperture to prevent the engagement element from beingremoved from the first aperture, and a security device coupled to thehead.

FIG. 1 shows a system comprising a portable electronic device 30 and asecurity apparatus 26 that is used to secure the portable electronicdevice 30 to an immovable object 10 such as a desk leg or the like. Thesecurity apparatus 26 comprises a head 28 and a cable 32 coupled to thehead 28, which may be a locking head in this example. A loop 34 is at aterminal end of the head 28. The cable 32 may comprise a strong materialsuch as stainless steel or Kevlar™.

To secure the portable electronic device 30 to the immovable object, thecable 32 may be wrapped around the immovable object and the head 28 maypass through the loop 34. An engagement element in the head 28 may thenbe inserted into an aperture in the portable electronic device 30, or inan aperture in a lock interface member that is associated with theportable electronic device 30. A stabilizing element may then beinserted into the stabilizing aperture in the lock interface member tostabilize the head 28 so that the engagement element cannot be readilywithdrawn from the aperture. A locking mechanism such as a key lockingmechanism or a combination locking mechanism may be used to keep thestabilizing element and/or the engagement element from moving or notmoving. In other embodiments, the stabilizing element may first beinserted into the stabilizing aperture in the lock interface member,and/or a stabilizing aperture in the portable electronic device, and theengagement element may thereafter be inserted therein to engage theaperture in the portable electronic device or in the lock interfacemember.

As used herein, in the above described embodiments and in otherembodiments, an “aperture” may include a blind aperture or a throughaperture. A through aperture may be in the form of a hole, or a recess.In some embodiments of the invention, the aperture may have maximumdimensions of about 10 mm or less.

FIG. 2( a) shows a security apparatus 100 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The security apparatus 100 comprises a head 100(a) and aferrule 158 coupled to the head 100(a). The ferrule 158 may be coupledto a cable 32 of the type shown in FIG. 1.

The head 100(a) comprises a cable ring 131 and a cylindrical body 128.Together, these and other components may form a housing for the head100(a). The housing may take other forms in other embodiments of theinvention. The cable ring 131 comprises an attachment portion 131(a)where the ferrule 158 is attached.

The front of the head 100(a) comprises an interlocking arrangement 104comprising three engagement elements 104(a) surrounding a stabilizingelement 102. A rubber bumper 112 may encircle the three engagementelements 104(a) and the stabilizing element 102. The rubber bumper 112can be used to prevent the head 100(a) from scratching the exteriorsurface of the portable electronic device which is to be secured and mayallow for greater wall thickness tolerances. The rubber bumper 112 isoptional and could be omitted in embodiments of the invention.

The three engagement elements 104(a) in this example are in the form ofthree engagement hooks having ends that face in a counter-clockwisemanner. Of course, in other embodiments, the three engagement hooks mayhave ends that face in a clockwise manner. The three engagement elements104(a) may be first, second, and third engagement elements. More or lessengagement elements may be used in embodiments of the invention.

The stabilizing element 102 may be in the form of a retractableanti-rotation pin. As shown, the stabilizing element 102 may have asomewhat rectangular cross-section in this example. However, the radialcross-section of the stabilizing element 102 could be circular or couldhave any other shape in other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2( b) shows a rear perspective view of the head 100(a) as it isabout to engage a lock interface member 110 associated with a portableelectronic device 108. A push cylinder 118 is at the rear of the head100(a).

In this example, the lock interface member 110 is in the form of acircular insert that is positioned in a cooperatively structuredaperture 108(a) in the housing of the portable electronic device 108.Alternatively or additionally, the lock interface member 110 may beattached to and/or form part of a chassis in the portable electronicdevice 108. As shown in FIG. 2( b), the exterior face of the lockinterface member 110 comprises a central elongated aperture 110(a) andthree outer, arc-shaped, elongated apertures 110(b) surrounding thecentral elongated aperture 110(a). The three outer elongated apertures110(b) may be first, second, and third apertures and are for receivingthe first, second, and third engagement elements 104(a) shown in FIG. 2(a). The central elongated aperture 110(a) is for receiving thestabilizing element 102 shown in FIG. 2( a). The central elongatedaperture 110(a) may be characterized as a stabilizing aperture in thisembodiment, since it receives a stabilizing element. More or lessapertures may be used in other embodiments.

FIG. 2( c) shows the head 100(a) after the engagement elements 104(a)are inserted into the corresponding outer elongated apertures 110(b),and after the head 100(a) is turned clockwise until the engagementelements 104(a) engage the walls defining the outer elongated apertures110(b). FIG. 2( c) also shows a cylindrical portion 110(c) of the lockinterface member 110, which may be attached to an internal structuralcomponent of the portable electronic device 108. After the engagementelements 104(a) engage the walls forming the outer elongated apertures110(b), the stabilizing element 102 is extended outward in an axiallydirection so that the stabilizing element 102 extends into the centralelongated aperture 110(a) as shown in FIG. 2( d). Once the stabilizingelement 102 is within the central elongated aperture 110(a), the head110(a) is secured to the lock interface member 110. At this point, thelock head 100(a) may be in a locked configuration and the lock head102(a) is secured to the portable electronic device 108.

FIG. 2( e) shows an exploded view of components that can be present in asecurity apparatus of the type shown in FIG. 2( a). FIG. 2( e) shows acylindrical body 128 comprising opposing lateral holes 128(a) capable ofreceiving first and second pins 136(a), 136(b). The body 128 maycomprise any suitable material including nickel alloys and/or stainlesssteel. The first and second pins 136(a), 136(b) mechanically couple thebody 128 to an anti-rotation housing 138 via holes 138(c) in theanti-rotation housing 138. The body 128 and a circular portion 131(a) ofa forwardly disposed cable ring 131 may form at least part of a headhousing which houses the majority of the components in the head 100(a).A ferrule holder 156 may be coupled to the cable ring 130 and a ferrule158 may be associated with a cable (not shown).

The body 128 also comprises an axial slot 128(b) formed in a wall of thebody 128, which is capable of receiving a rolled third pin 137 which isradially oriented with respect to the orientation of the body 128. Thethird pin 137 also passes through a hole 118(a) in an axially movablepush cylinder 118, and slidably couples the push cylinder 118 and thebody together. The push cylinder 118 can therefore slide axiallyrelative to the body 128, and may be pushed by a user to configure thehead in a locked configuration.

The anti-rotation housing 138 is in a forward position relative to theposition of the body 128. The anti-rotation housing 138 comprises adisk-shaped base 138(b) and a forward portion 138(a), which may also beshaped as a disk and may have smaller radial dimensions than thedisk-shaped base 138(b). An axial hole 138(d) passes through theanti-rotation housing 138. The stabilizing element 102 and acorresponding spindle 130 may move within the axial hole 138(d) andrelative to the anti-rotation housing 138 when the head is in anunlocked configuration.

The stabilizing element 102 may comprise a front portion 102(a) and arear portion 102(b), with a gap between the front portion 102(a) and therear portion 102(b). The spindle 130 may have a radially extending hole130(d) at a rear end and another radially extending hole 130(b) at afront end. The spindle 103 also has an axial aperture 130(c). A lockingtab 150 may be inserted through the radially extending hole 130(b) atthe front end and may engage the stabilizing element 102 by beingdisposed between the front portion 102(a) and the rear portion 102(b) ofthe stabilizing element 102.

A biasing element 134 such as a compression spring may be disposedaround the spindle 130 and may be between the anti-rotation housing 138and a first cylinder 144. When the head 100(a) is in a lockedconfiguration, the biasing element 134 may be in a compressed state. Thestabilizing element 102 would be in a corresponding extended position.When the head 100(a) is an unlocked configuration, the biasing element134 may be in an uncompressed state. The stabilizing element 102 wouldbe in a corresponding retracted position.

The first cylinder 144 and a second cylinder 124, with other components,may form parts of a locking mechanism. In this example, the lockingmechanism is a cylinder lock, but the locking mechanism could be a disklock. The first cylinder 144 may include a first plurality of axialextending holes, which may receive driver pins 162(b) and springs (notshown), while the second cylinder 124 may include a second plurality ofaxial bores which may receive key pins 162(a). The second cylinder 124may rotate relative to the first cylinder 144, when a key is insertedthrough a keyway at a rear of the second cylinder 124 and turned. Thekey pins 162(a) may be driven inward different lengths by a key (notshown) with so that no pins lie across a shear line formed between thefirst cylinder 144 and the second cylinder 124.

Another pin 141 passes through a radially extending aperture 124(a) inthe first cylinder 124 and is inserted in the hole 130(d) in the spindle130, so that the spindle 130 is mechanically coupled to the secondcylinder 124. As noted above, other pins 136(a), 136(b) may be insertedin holes such as hole 128(b) in the body 128 and hole 138(c) in theanti-rotation housing 138 so that the anti-rotation housing 138 and thebody 128 are coupled together. A retention structure 104(b) may be usedto secure the interlocking arrangement 104 in a fixed radial position.

A U-shaped clip 142 passes through a radially extending aperture in theanti-rotation housing 138 and can engage the channel 130(a) in thespindle 130 when the head 100(a) is in a locked configuration. As shown,the channel 130(a) can extend partially around the circumference of thespindle 130.

To change the head 100(a) to an unlocked configuration, a key isinserted into the lock head 100(a) and is turned. This turns the secondcylinder 124, which turns the spindle 130. The U-shaped clip 142 is thendisplaced from the channel 130(a) in the spindle 130 and the biasingmember 134 pushes the first cylinder 144, the second cylinder 124, thespindle 130, and the stabilizing element 102 rearward. This removes thestabilizing element 102 from the central aperture 110(a) of theinterface member 110. The engagement elements 104(a) can thereafter berotated counterclockwise and can be removed from the outer elongatedslots 110(b) of the lock interface member 110. See FIG. 2( c).

FIG. 2( f) shows the previously described lock head 102(a) in a lockedconfiguration. Components shown in FIG. 2( e) are also shown in anassembled state. As shown by the arrow P, the push cylinder 118 and thesecond cylinder 124 are pushed inward toward the portable electronicdevice 108. This compresses the biasing element 134 so that it is in acompressed state. The U-shaped clip 142 engages the channel 130(a) inthe spindle 130 to secure the stabilizing element 102 in an extendedposition and within the central aperture 110(a). In this example, thestabilizing element 102 does not engage the walls forming the centralaperture 110(a), but it could engage the walls in other embodiments ofthe invention.

FIGS. 2( g)-2(i) show various views of a lock interface member 110according to an embodiment of the invention. Exemplary dimensions areshown in FIGS. 2( g) and 2(h), and these exemplary dimensions are shownin millimeters. The lock interface member 110, and other lock interfacemembers, may be made from metallic materials such as zinc (die casted),magnesium (injection molded), and/or stainless steel (powder injectionmolded).

FIG. 2( g) shows a front view of a lock interface member 110. Asdescribed previously, the lock interface member 110 may include a frontface 110(d) and a cylindrical side 110(c). The front face 110(d)comprises three outer elongated slots 110(b) shaped as arcs, surroundinga central elongated aperture 110(a). In other embodiments, there couldbe fewer slots, or more slots, and they may be positioned in anysuitable manner on the front face 110(d). Two joining members 110(e) maybe formed at the top of the lock interface member 110 and may be formedat the bottom of the lock interface member 110. The joining members110(e) may be referred to as collar ribs in some cases and may beassembled to the internal chassis of a portable electronic device suchas portable computer.

FIG. 2( h) shows a side, cross-sectional view of the lock interfacemember 110, and FIG. 2( i) shows a perspective view of the lockinterface member 110 shown in FIG. 2( g).

Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages. For example,since the lock interface member can have a number of engagementapertures and a stabilizing aperture, a locking head with multipleengagement elements and/or stabilizing elements can be more securelyattached to the lock interface member than a conventional securityapparatus would be attached to a conventional security slot. Also, sincethere can be multiple points of engagement in embodiments of theinvention, it is more difficult to torque the security apparatus out ofthe engagement apertures and the stabilizing aperture in the lockinterface member, than it would be to torque a conventional securityapparatus out of a conventional security slot. Thus, embodiments of theinvention provide for improved security over conventional securitysystems.

The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Manyvariations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description,but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claimsalong with their full scope or equivalents.

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one ormore features of any other embodiment without departing from the scopeof the invention.

A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more”unless specifically indicated to the contrary.

All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptionsmentioned above are herein incorporated by reference in their entiretyfor all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.

1. A security apparatus for use with a lock interface member having atleast a first aperture and a stabilizing aperture, the securityapparatus comprising: a head comprising an engagement element adapted toengage the lock interface member via the first aperture and astabilizing element capable of being inserted into the stabilizingaperture to prevent the engagement element from being removed from thefirst aperture; and a security device coupled to the head.
 2. Thesecurity apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lock interface member has asecond and a third aperture, wherein the engagement element is a firstengagement element, and the head comprises a second engagement elementand a third engagement element, wherein the first, second, and thirdengagement elements are adapted to engage the lock interface member viathe first, second, and third apertures respectively.
 3. The securityapparatus of claim 2 wherein the first, second, and third engagementelements are in the form of first, second, and third hooks,respectively, wherein ends of the first, second, and third hooks allface in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction.
 4. The securityapparatus of claim 3 wherein the first, second, and third hooks are infixed positions and wherein the first, second, and third engagementelements engage the first, second, and third apertures by inserting thefirst, second, and third engagement elements, and then rotating thefirst, second, and third engagement elements in either a clockwise, orcounterclockwise direction.
 5. The security apparatus of claim 3 furthercomprising a biasing element wherein the biasing element is in acompressed state when the stabilizing element is in an extendedposition, and wherein the biasing element is an uncompressed state whenthe stabilizing element is in a retracted position.
 6. The securityapparatus of claim 5 wherein the biasing element is a spring.
 7. Thesecurity apparatus of claim 1 wherein the stabilizing element is atleast part of an anti-rotation block, and wherein the anti-rotationblock is coupled to a spindle, which is operatively coupled a lockingmechanism.
 8. A system comprising: a portable electronic devicecomprising a lock interface member having at least a first aperture anda stabilizing aperture; and a security apparatus comprising a headcomprising an engagement element adapted to engage the lock interfacemember via the first aperture and a stabilizing element capable of beinginserted into the stabilizing aperture to prevent the engagement elementfrom being removed from the first aperture.
 9. The system of claim 8wherein the security device comprises a cable coupled to the head. 10.The system of claim 8 wherein the portable electronic device comprises aportable computer.
 11. The system of claim 8 wherein the lock interfacemember has a second aperture and a third aperture, wherein theengagement element is a first engagement element, and the head comprisesa second engagement element and a third engagement element, wherein thefirst, second, and third engagement elements are adapted to engage thelock interface member via the first, second, and third aperturesrespectively.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the first, second, andthird engagement elements are in the form of first, second, and thirdhooks, respectively, wherein ends of the first, second, and third hooksall face in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction.
 13. The system ofclaim 12 wherein the first, second, and third hooks are in fixedpositions and wherein the first, second, and third engagement elementsengage the first, second, and third apertures by inserting the first,second, and third engagement elements, and then rotating the first,second, and third engagement elements in either a clockwise, orcounterclockwise direction.
 14. The system of claim 12 furthercomprising a biasing element wherein the biasing element is in acompressed state when the stabilizing element is in an extendedposition, and wherein the biasing element is an uncompressed state whenthe stabilizing element is in a retracted position.
 15. The system ofclaim 14 wherein the biasing element is a spring.
 16. The system ofclaim 8 wherein the stabilizing element is at least part of ananti-rotation block, and wherein the anti-rotation block is coupled to aspindle, which is operatively coupled to a locking mechanism.
 17. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein the portable electronic device comprises ahousing comprising a hole, and wherein the lock interface member iswithin the hole.
 18. The system of claim 8 wherein the lock interfacemember also comprises a second aperture and a third aperture, andwherein the first, second, and third apertures are arc-shaped slots thatencircle the stabilizing aperture.
 19. A method for securing a securityapparatus of claim 1 to the lock interface member, the methodcomprising: (a) inserting the engagement element into the firstaperture; (b) rotating the engagement element so that the engagementelement is secured to the lock interface member via the first aperture;and (c) inserting the stabilizing element into the stabilizing aperture.20. The method of claim 19 wherein (c) is performed before (b).
 21. Themethod of claim 19 there rotating comprises rotating the entire head sothat the engagement element rotates and is secured to the lock interfacemember via the first aperture.
 22. The method of claim 19 furthercomprising: locking the head to the lock interface member.
 23. Themethod of claim 19 wherein the security device comprises a cablecomprising a loop at an end of the cable, wherein the method furthercomprises: wrapping the cable around an immovable object; inserting thehead into the loop; and then performing (a), (b), and (c).
 24. Themethod of claim 23 wherein the lock interface member is attached to aportable electronic device.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein theportable electronic device is a portable computer.